(From the epilogue of my novel: Hopeless Love)
Denmark
Standing together near the end of Valby Park about a stone’s throw from Copenhagen’s infamous Rose Garden, two teens, for the lack of having anything better to do, took in the scenery while their parents and uncles dashed around like rats in a timed maze as they made the final preparations for the upcoming ceremony.
Surrounding the youth, was a dazzling array of plant life in all forms, shapes, and colors – including various circular flower beds containing trees, hybrids, and wild roses – which indubitably enhanced the landscape. And, not too far away from where Chad Jr. and Jose Jr. were instructed by their parents to wait, a large children’s playground provided a place where numerous kids could romp, while their parents either chatted with friends or walked their dogs down the park’s countless trails.
“Are you starting to get hungry?” fourteen-year-old Chad asked his one-year-younger brother in newly learned Danish as he glanced at his slender stomach. “I’m starved. We haven't ate anything since breakfast - and that seems like an eternity ago.”
“I agree,” Jose said, displaying a broad smile. “It’s been at least three hours. Is there someplace close where we can grab something?”
Chad pointed to a bright yellow-colored building about seventy-five meters away. It looked like a café built sometime during the 1940’s.
“I think so. On an awning hanging above the front door of that place over there, I see a name in bold letters - so I’m pretty sure it’s a place to eat.”
Jose turned to gaze at it. “Okay.” He then began to search his pockets for any leftover cash he might have accidentally stashed. Upon not finding any, “You got any money?” he asked his half-brother. “You know, some of those strange-looking Kroners? I spent everything Mom gave me in the hotel’s game room last night.”
“I think I might,” Chad answered. Reaching into his back pocket, he pulled out the bucking bronco imprinted, brown leather wallet Uncle Mike had given him the previous Christmas. Inside, resting next to a few leftover Chilean pesos, he found three kroners - valued at five dollars apiece. “I think this will do.”
Jose stared at the Danish bills and grinned. “I agree, this should be enough as long as we each only order a sandwich and drink. Let’s go!”
Chad nodded, and the two of them started to head down the sidewalk.
“Hey you two. Wait a minute. Where in the world do you think you’re going?” Maria yelled upon seeing her sons starting to leave the vicinity where the adults had been getting all last-minute preparations ready. “Uncle Mike and Eric’s civil union about to begin in a few minutes.”
Chad peeked at his Timex. “It is? But, Mom, we’re both starving. All we’ve had to eat this morning was a handful of buttered rolls and a bowl of oatmeal. It wasn’t near enough.”
Maria gazed at her youths and chuckled. “And what about the Danish pastries I saw the two of you scoffing down? I know there was more than enough to hold you at least until lunchtime.”
Jose sheepishly grinned and glanced at his older brother.
“Not really. If we were still adolescents, you’d be right. But we’re teenagers now, Mom. We need to eat a lot so we can grow tall and strong – just like you keep reminding us we should.”
Maria glanced at the two like they were a couple of pups and released a long hearty laugh. “Grow?” she said, before pausing for a second. “I seriously doubt you two need to eat more in order to grow. These last couple of years I’ve been having a dickens of a time trying to keep clothes on you. Now try to forget about those bottomless pits you two call stomachs for about another hour or so and I promise as soon the ceremony is finished, we’ll feed you. Okay?”
Both Jose and Chad gazed at their mom and released a loud sigh.
“Okay,” Chad replied while Jose nodded. “If you insist.”
“I do,” Maria said, about to turn back toward where the ceremony was about to be held. “Now just keep yourself busy for an additional ten to fifteen minutes and by then … everything should be ready.”
“Okay, M-o-m,” they responded, dragging the word Mom as long as possible.
“So, what do you want to do?” Jose asked his brother after they had strolled down one of the park’s main walkways for a couple of minutes.
Chad unexpectedly stopped and began to stare a few meters to his left. “A little sightseeing. I think.”
“You think?” Jose looked puzzled and turned to see what had caught his brother’s eye.
“Yeah,” Chad continued, maintaining his stare. “I think I’ve found something worthwhile.”
Jose looked again in the direction where his brother continued to glare. “Are you talking about the long-haired chick who’s walking with the fourteen-year-old dude who’s wearing what looks like a classic Pink Floyd t-shirt?”
Chad glanced at his sibling and shook his head. “Yes and No. The girl is definitely attractive and would probably be someone you’d find interesting. But, it’s that handsome guy she’s with who's caught my attention. He’s a real … ahh … how would you say … Teenage man-god?”
Jose smiled. “Could be. Why don't we check them out?”
Chad nodded he agreed. “You know … if everyone's as open-minded as I heard they are in this culture; it may be possible ... But …”
“What about Mom and our Dads?” Jose completed for him. “Not to mention, do you actually think we could get those two to agree to hook up with us?”
Chad answered his half-brother with a mischievous smile.